The UK's most complete GLP-1 guide
Every Question Answered. Every Side Effect Explained.
- How GLP-1 medications work
- Mounjaro vs Wegovy compared
- Injection instructions
- Side effects & solutions
- What to eat on treatment
- FAQs answered
Free tracker included with every download this week
Can I Get Mounjaro Privately in the UK?
Yes, you can get Mounjaro (tirzepatide) privately in the UK without waiting for NHS referral. Private access is through licensed online prescribers and GPhC-registered pharmacies following a clinical assessment. This guide explains both NHS and private routes to Mounjaro, eligibility criteria, costs, and how the two pathways differ. We'll help you understand your options so you can make an informed choice about accessing this weight management medication.
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Calculate Your BMI Instantly
Enter your height and weight below. Supports both imperial (stone & lbs) and metric (kg). Results include NHS category, healthy weight range, and ethnicity adjustments.
What Is BMI and Why Does It Matter?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most widely used screening tool for assessing whether your weight falls within a healthy range. Used by the NHS, GPs, and weight management services across the UK, BMI provides a quick snapshot of your weight relative to your height. The formula is simple: your weight in kilograms divided by your height in metres squared (kg/m²).
While BMI isn't a perfect measure — it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution — it remains the standard first step in identifying potential weight-related health risks including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.
The NHS also recommends adjusted thresholds for people of South Asian, Chinese, or Black African heritage — a BMI of 23 or above is classified as overweight, and 27.5 as obese. Our calculator includes this adjustment as a one-click toggle.
NHS Mounjaro Access vs Private Routes
NHS access to Mounjaro is limited and region-dependent. NICE has approved tirzepatide for use within NHS specialist weight management services (tier 3 and tier 4), but prescribing varies significantly by region and local integrated care boards (ICBs). Most NHS prescriptions come through specialist weight management services, not standard GP practices. Waiting lists for NHS specialist services can be several months to over a year in many areas.
Private access is faster and more accessible. Licensed online prescribers can assess you and issue a prescription for Mounjaro if clinically appropriate. The prescription is then dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Private access does not require an NHS referral or specialist service appointment. Most people receive their first dose within 1–2 weeks of online consultation.
- NHS route: referral needed, longer waiting times, free at point of care
- Private route: no referral needed, faster access, monthly cost required
- Both routes require clinical assessment of eligibility
Clinically BackedWeight Loss
No appointments. No waiting rooms. Just care — from a UK-regulated online pharmacy.
How It Works
Three simple steps to understand your weight and take action.
Enter your height and weight in our free calculator. Get your BMI, NHS category, healthy weight range, and ethnicity-adjusted thresholds instantly.
If your BMI suggests you're overweight or obese, explore our GLP-1 calculators to project potential weight loss on Mounjaro or Wegovy.
Use our progress tracker to log your weight weekly, visualise your journey with charts, and stay motivated — all stored privately in your browser.
Free Weight Loss Tools & Guides
Everything you need to understand your weight, explore medication options, and track your progress — completely free.
Who Can Get Mounjaro Privately?
Eligibility for private Mounjaro is assessed individually by a licensed prescriber. Generally, adults aged 18 and over with a BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions, may be suitable. Weight-related conditions include type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease history. Lower BMI thresholds may apply if you're of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage—your prescriber will discuss this. You cannot take Mounjaro if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18, or have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer. A private prescriber will review your full medical history before deciding if tirzepatide is appropriate for you.
- Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 22.5% body weight loss (SURMOUNT-1)
- Weekly injection, dose escalation over 20+ weeks
- Available via private prescription in the UK
- Doses: 2.5mg → 5mg → 7.5mg → 10mg → 12.5mg → 15mg
- GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 15–17% body weight loss (STEP trials)
- Weekly injection, 5-step dose escalation
- NHS & private prescription available
- Doses: 0.25mg → 0.5mg → 1mg → 1.7mg → 2.4mg
Mounjaro vs Wegovy: Head-to-Head
A side-by-side comparison of the two most popular GLP-1 weight loss medications available in the UK.
| Feature | Mounjaro | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| Drug class | Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist | GLP-1 agonist |
| Active ingredient | Tirzepatide | Semaglutide |
| Avg. weight loss | 15–22.5% | 12–17% |
| Key trial | SURMOUNT-1 (2022) | STEP 1 (2021) |
| Max dose | 15 mg weekly | 2.4 mg weekly |
| Escalation period | 20–32 weeks | 16–20 weeks |
| Administration | Weekly injection (pen) | Weekly injection (pen) |
| NHS availability | Private prescription only | NHS & private |
| Approx. private cost | £150–£250/month | £150–£300/month |
| Common side effects | Nausea, diarrhoea, constipation | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea |
Data sourced from SURMOUNT-1 and STEP 1 clinical trials. Costs are approximate and vary by provider. Always consult a prescriber.
Am I Eligible for Weight Loss Medication?
In the UK, eligibility for GLP-1 weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy is based on your BMI and overall health profile.
- BMI of 30 or above (obese)
- Age 18 or over
- No contraindicated conditions
- Committed to lifestyle changes
- BMI of 27 or above
- Plus type 2 diabetes
- Or high blood pressure
- Or obstructive sleep apnoea
Use our BMI calculator to check whether your BMI falls within the eligible range.
How We Built These Tools
Every calculator and guide on myweightcheck is built with accuracy and transparency in mind. Our BMI calculator uses the standard WHO formula with NHS-aligned category thresholds. Our GLP-1 projections are modelled on published clinical trial data from SURMOUNT and STEP studies.
All data stays on your device. We don't require sign-ups, and we don't store your health information on any server. Your progress tracker saves data locally in your browser using localStorage, so only you can see it.
We're based in the UK and our tools are designed specifically for UK users — supporting stone & lbs by default, referencing NHS guidelines, using NICE-approved medication data, and linking to GPhC-registered pharmacies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about BMI, weight loss medications, and our free UK tools.
How much does Mounjaro cost privately in the UK?
Private Mounjaro costs typically range from £130–£320 per month depending on your dose and the provider. Starting doses (2.5 mg) are usually cheaper; higher maintenance doses (10–15 mg) cost more. Each KwikPen contains 4 weeks of doses. Some providers offer subscription discounts or package deals. Check individual provider pricing as costs vary.
Is private Mounjaro the same as NHS Mounjaro?
Yes, the medication is identical—it's the same tirzepatide manufactured by Eli Lilly. The only difference is the route of access and funding. NHS Mounjaro is free but requires referral and waiting; private Mounjaro requires payment but is faster. Clinical effectiveness and side effects are the same.
Do I need a GP letter to get Mounjaro privately?
No, you do not need a GP referral letter for private access. A licensed online prescriber will conduct their own clinical assessment and request relevant medical records or information directly from you. Some prescribers may contact your GP after prescription, but this is not required upfront.
How long does the private Mounjaro assessment take?
Most online assessments take 1–3 days. You complete a detailed health questionnaire, then a UK-licensed prescriber reviews it. If approved, your prescription is sent to a pharmacy and dispatched quickly—usually within 5–10 working days from assessment to receipt.
Can I switch from private to NHS Mounjaro later?
Yes, you can request an NHS referral while using private Mounjaro. If you're accepted onto an NHS specialist weight management service, you could transition to NHS-funded treatment. However, there is no assures of NHS availability in your area, so private access remains a reliable option.
Ready to take control of your weight loss journey?
Start with a free BMI check, explore your GLP-1 options, or begin tracking your progress today. No sign-up. No cost. Just results.